By Rachael Onyango | Program Administrator
Play has turned out to be one of the most beautiful aspects of our school, because it serves to remind us that a child's greatest potential is usually hidden behind silence, fear or tears. We have taken in children who at first found it very difficult to get on with others, kept crying and had a preference for staying alone; thanks to the safe, caring and happy atmosphere which is produced by play, these children have slowly come to the realization that they are not alone and have been able to communicate, make friends, laugh, take part in activities and simply enjoy being children.
We are now witnessing changes which have a deep impact on our hearts, children who used to have trouble speaking or getting on with others are now able to communicate openly and freely. They look for their friends, take real pleasure in playing together and feel confident when expressing themselves. Going to school is no longer something they have to put up with; on the contrary, they look forward to attending it because it is a place where they feel they belong. A particularly touching sign of this change is that even when school is closed, some children still go to the school gate, hoping to see their friends and desiring to be a part of the community they have come to love.
These circumstances act as a reminder that play involves much more than just recreation; through playing, children learn to trust, to communicate, to cooperate and to connect. A friendship is formed. A shy child gains the confidence to speak. Someone who had before felt lonely now has a feeling of belonging. It is thanks to your support that we have been able to create opportunities which have allowed these hidden talents to emerge, so that we can go beyond a child's circumstances and see the individual potential, joy and hope that is present in each child.
Thank you for taking part in the power of play and for helping us to bring these hidden treasures to the surface. The way in which you have donated is enabling children to find their own voices, to make friends, to build up their confidence and to enjoy the simple pleasure of being a child. We are very grateful for your belief in them and for accompanying us on this journey. Every smile, every new friendship, every child who is now able to speak freely, and every little face looking forward to coming to our school gate is a reminder that when children are given the opportunity to play, they are given the opportunity to discover who they can become.
By Rachael Onyango | Program Administrator
By Rachael Onyango | Program Administrator
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